Avery County is the 100th and last county formed in North Carolina in 1911, from portions of Mitchell, Watauga, and Caldwell Counties. It is named for Waightstill Avery (1741-1819) who was a Colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, a member of North Carolina state legislature, 1776, 1782-83, 1793, North Carolina State Attorney General, 1777-79; and a member of North Carolina state senate, 1796.It is characterized by rugged mountains including Grandfather Mountain, home to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of Scottish Clans. It has the highest average elevation of any county in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, reaching that of 5,964 ft. above sea level. Approximately half of the county lies within the Pisgah National Forest. There are many wild trout streams and ski resorts located within the county. The population in 2002 was 17,526. The county seat is Newland.

Avery County, North Carolina is home to famous mountain peaks like Grandfather, Beech and Sugar. It has the highest county seat in Eastern America (Newland, elv. 3,621 ft.), the highest incorporated town in Eastern America (Beech Mountain, elv. 5,506 ft.), and is known as the "Christmas tree capital of the world."

A visit to the Balcony of the Blue Ridge offers a variety of things to see and do, places to stay, eat and shop, unparalleled mountain scenery, and friendly locals to help you enjoy. Come visit and you may stay!